Airport Security to Weigh Risks
Before Ordering Evacuations

Agency Orders More Discretion
By Security Officials at Airports

By

Stephen Power Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated July 2, 2002 12:01 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration, faced with airport screeners who continue to have trouble detecting weapons and with criticism from airlines over its rigid security policies, has told airport-security personnel to be more cautious in deciding whether to evacuate airports and recall aircraft when security breaches are suspected.

In a directive issued May 23, the Transportation Security Administration instructs its interim security representatives to consult airline personnel before recalling aircraft after a security...